Page 35 of The Demon's Secret Baby

"This is why we rarely see the sun here," I explain, raising my voice to be heard over the continuous rumble of thunder. "Our magic shapes the very weather."

Kaelox nods, absorbing this new information with the eagerness I've come to expect from him. His mismatched eyes reflect the flashes of lightning, giving him an otherworldly appearance that reminds me of his unique heritage.

As we stand there, my family bathed in the glow of raw demonic energy, I feel a sense of completeness I've never known before. This is my world, and now, finally, I can share it with the ones I love.

I stride through the castle halls, Kaelox's small hand in mine. His excitement is palpable, and I can't help but feel a surge of pride. Today marks the beginning of his magical training with Tolmond, a soz'garoth demon known for his expertise in various magical disciplines.

"Remember, son," I say, my voice low and serious. "Magic is a powerful tool, but it requires discipline and respect."

Kaelox nods, his mismatched eyes wide with anticipation. "I'm powerful."

We arrive at Tolmond's home, a large place out on the edge of the city. The air crackles with latent energy, and I feel Kaelox's grip tighten slightly.

Tolmond greets us, his white hair gleaming in the dim light. "Ah, young Kaelox. Are you ready to unlock your potential?"

I watch as Tolmond begins the lesson, starting with the basics of energy manipulation. Kaelox listens intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. As Tolmond demonstrates a simple light spell, I see a spark of recognition in my son's eyes.

"Now, focus on the energy within you," Tolmond instructs. "Visualize it flowing through your body and out through your fingertips."

Kaelox closes his eyes, his face a mask of determination. For a moment, nothing happens. Then, suddenly, a small orb of light flickers to life above his outstretched hand. It's weak and unsteady, but it's there.

Pride swells in my chest. "Well done, Kaelox!" I exclaim, unable to contain my excitement.

Tolmond nods approvingly. "Impressive for a first attempt. You have a natural affinity for magic, young one."

As the lesson continues, Kaelox's confidence grows. He manages to maintain the light for longer periods, even changing its color with concentration. I watch, fascinated, as Tolmond guides him through more complex exercises.

By the end of the session, Kaelox is beaming with pride, and I feel a sense of fulfillment I've never experienced before. This is just the beginning of his journey, but already I can see the potential within him.

By the end of the lesson, I can tell the magic has drained Kaelox. He makes it all the way home, but when we enter the castle, I scoop up a sleepy Kaelox in my arms, his small body warm against my chest as we make our way back to our quarters. His eyelids droop, heavy with the exertion of his first magical lesson.

"You did well today, little one," I murmur, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

Once home, I tuck Kaelox into bed, watching as he drifts off almost immediately. Pride swells in my chest, remembering the spark of magic he conjured earlier.

With our son peacefully napping, I seek out Zylpha. She's reading by the window, the dim light of the thunderstorms outside casting shadows across her face.

"Care for a walk in the private gardens?" I ask, extending my hand.

She looks up, a smile tugging at her lips. "Trying to impress me?"

I chuckle, pulling her to her feet. "Always."

We stroll hand in hand through the twisted paths of the demon gardens. Black roses with petals sharp as razors line the walkways, their thorny vines writhing slowly in the perpetual twilight.

"Kaelox showed incredible potential today," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "He conjured light on his first try."

Zylpha's eyes widen. "Already? He's growing up so fast."

"Too fast," I agree, squeezing her hand. "Soon he'll be summoning chaos storms and turning me into a ur'gin."

She laughs, the sound like music in the eerie quiet of the garden. "I'd pay good money to see that."

We pause by a fountain of swirling shadows, its inky depths seeming to whisper secrets. Zylpha reaches out, her fingers hovering just above the surface.

"It's beautiful," she murmurs, "in a terrifying sort of way."

I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Much like demon society itself, I suppose."

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